I was delighted to open my paper this morning and see that the House passed Health Care Reform. It is a triumph of democracy over corporate influence - passed in spite of the massive amounts of money and effort from insurance industries, their Republican congressmen, and Fox News.

The Republicans keep saying the Dems will pay for it in the next election. I think the shame is on every single one of the Republicans who voted against helping the poor. Every single Republican voted against it. Talk about peer pressure! I was hoping there might be one courageous soul on that side of the aisle.

I'm sure the vitriol isn't over. But as with the passing of Medicare that the Republicans strongly opposed but now couldn't live without, literally in some cases, so it will be with health care.

Our government may certainly be inefficient, but I personally am glad they run a post office, emergency services, schools, libraries, food inspection, and the military. Despite the huge task ahead, I'm sure all those who so vehemently opposed health care will soon find themselves or their loved ones in need of the benefits our great American government will provide them.

Do you ever feel like you are the re-set button of your household, putting everything back into place so that it can be found and pulled out again?

So here is the next step for America since the Supreme Court ruling granting corporations the same rights as individuals, freeing unlimited funds for campaigns.

I feel like God.
Last Sunday, I turned over my compost pile after my first full year, ending with a few dormant, snowy months. I was delighted to find enough rich black humus to fill a wheelbarrow. I made dirt!





I filled several pots and jars, whatever I could find around the house, and planted some seeds: cabbage, peas, carrots, peppers, tomatoes. I had plenty of humus leftover and need more little planters for more tomatoes. I think I'll try corn this year too. I even swiped Anne's good idea and planted some seeds in eggshells for easy transplanting later. Thanks for giving me the seeds earlier Anne!

I could have sworn I had a small pitchfork. That would have made the turning over of the pile so much easier. Mental note: next angry mob I'm a torch.

We had fun in Ocean City at the Reach the Beach dance competition. My daughter's team won two first places and one second. The beach was quiet and chilly, but still fun for a morning walk on the boardwalk.